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Discussion Topic:
Tube Shocks conversion
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EdB |
12-24-2012 @ 6:27 AM
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Member
Posts: 47
Joined: Nov 2009
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Thanks to TRJ & others for the Christmas Greetings... Noticed that one of our preferred vendors [C & G] offers a bolt on kit to replace the knee action shocks. Before investing the time & money, wondering to what extent this improves the ride and handling. My car is a 41. Again, many thanks.
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trjford8 |
12-24-2012 @ 7:14 AM
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Senior
Posts: 4214
Joined: Oct 2009
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Ed, from my perspective I prefer the tube shocks. If you are restoring the car and want to show it in Concourse, Dearborn ,or Rouge class then you should stick with the originals. If you have a touring type car, then I would convert to the tube shocks. It's my opinion that the tube shocks add more stability when cornering and generally give better ride control. When you need to replace them they are much cheaper to replace. In '48 Ford converted to tube shocks and I suspect it was for two reasons; the cars handled better and they were cheaper to produce. The competition had also gone to tube shocks.
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TomO |
12-24-2012 @ 7:51 AM
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Senior
Posts: 7250
Joined: Oct 2009
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I have found little difference in the ride control between properly rebuilt lever shocks and the tube shocks. TRJ is correct in saying that the cost of the tube shocks, including the kits is less than the cost of rebuilding the lever shocks. It is your car and you should make any changes that you think will make it moer enjoyable to drive.
Tom
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FFracer |
12-24-2012 @ 12:02 PM
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Member
Posts: 62
Joined: Oct 2011
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I looked on the C&G Site I was unable to locate the conversion... I would like to have a bolt-on tube shock to replace the knee actions on my 33 at least while I am putting around. Chris
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Stroker |
12-24-2012 @ 3:04 PM
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Senior
Posts: 1460
Joined: Oct 2009
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Guy's: Let's not call the Houdalle (pronounced Hoo-Die) shock absorbers "Knee Action". Knee Action refers to a Che*rolet front suspension unit that came out in the late 30's. When these things wore out, the old Chebbies would look like a "bobble head" at stop signs. Ford never had, nor used the term "Knee Action". The correct term for the oem shocks would be "lever-action". I've used both "levers" and "tubes" on my 38 in the last half century. Neither is superior to the other. Tube shocks are cheap, and simple; levers have to be serviced, and after a few decades, rebuilt. They both "WORK".
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trjford8 |
12-24-2012 @ 4:36 PM
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Senior
Posts: 4214
Joined: Oct 2009
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FFracer, call C and G to see if they have them. If they don't they can probably refer you to someone who does have them. Many of the streetrod shops have bolt-on kits for the 33-34 cars.
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Gary C |
01-04-2013 @ 10:36 AM
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Member
Posts: 7
Joined: Oct 2012
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Just for your info so that you might be able to compare conversion kits, I've found another supplier in Portland Or. called Johnny Law Motors. Click on suspension parts, next to shocks/mounts, then scrol to your year. I hope this helps. Gary
This message was edited by Gary C on 1-4-13 @ 10:39 AM
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'40Tudor |
01-04-2013 @ 11:16 AM
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Member
Posts: 8
Joined: Jan 2013
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Can someone provide information on rebuilding the oem shocks?
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'40Tudor |
01-04-2013 @ 11:21 AM
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Member
Posts: 8
Joined: Jan 2013
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Good information. I have just taken delivery on a "40 Standard Tudor. The suspension is nice, but is original. I would like to rebuild/replace any worn items. Do you have any info on rebuilding the oem shocks?
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supereal |
01-04-2013 @ 2:55 PM
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Senior
Posts: 6819
Joined: Oct 2009
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C&G shows the front and rear tube shock conversion kits on page 340 of their catalog. For '41, the front is 11A-181124 KIT, $212.95. The rear is 11A-18125-KIT, 212.95. Their online catalog is at cgfordparts.com. I know that there is a matter of difference on the performance of tube versus lever shocks, but I have always opted for tubes, as most old lever shocks hardly work, if at all. They must be rebuilt by an expert, and that is usually more expensive than converting.
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